There’s a unique maritime history prevalent throughout Portugal—from Lisbon’s Moorish castle keeping guard of the city’s harbor to the small fishing villages dotting the Algarve Coast. Follow along as Jimmy journeys through Old World cities and quaint towns, taking in Portugal’s signature cityscapes, flavors and fascinating history along the way.
Jimmy’s must-try treat: Pastels de nata
“I love the food in Mediterranean and southern European countries. Portugal’s cuisine revolves around fish and pastries. While I love the simple (and delicious!) grilled sardines, what I truly crave are the pastels de nata—local pastries that are comparable to custard tarts tucked into crusty shells. When they come out of the oven, they are to die for!”
Tour Highlight: Sagres
“One of the coolest places we visited was Sagres. It’s located at the furthest tip of Portugal and is the most southwestern point of Europe. The Sagres Fortress was supposedly the site of the very first naval school founded by Henry the Navigator. I loved the area’s impressive coastal scenery and the fact that local fishermen still walk down on the cliffs to fish where they have for centuries. I was able to spot this one fishermen on a very remote, dramatic point and even see his catch of day!”
Favorite town: Sintra
“Sintra immediately comes to my mind as my favorite town. I just thought it was so beautiful. It has a prime location in the hills of the Portuguese countryside and is dotted with cool Renaissance mansions surrounding the Royal Palace. On top of that, the town has cobblestone streets that make for a nice walk along the shops and eateries.”
Jimmy and the other travelers took the scenic route back from Sintra to Lisbon, cruising along the gorgeous Portuguese Riviera.
Want to learn more about Portugal: Porto, Lisbon & the Algarve? See the full tour itinerary here!
